Moving from Atlanta, GA, to Phoenix, AZ

Moving to a larger city in the Grand Canyon State

You can expect some climate and cultural changes when moving 1,815 miles west from Atlanta to Phoenix. Each is the capital and the most populated city in their state, but there are some size differences.  

While Atlanta’s population of 498,715 (6.2 million in the metro) isn’t tiny, it’s much smaller than Phoenix’s population of 1,608,139 (4.85 million in the metro), according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect from desert life in Phoenix, known as the “Valley of the Sun.” 

Adjusting to a desert climate

Phoenix's desert climate is quite different from the humid subtropical climate in Atlanta. You can expect drier and warmer weather. Phoenix gets around 9 inches of rain per year (compared to Atlanta’s average of 52 inches), and annual average temperatures typically stay between 40 and 100 degrees.  

It’s crucial to prepare for excessive heat by staying cool and hydrated during the hottest month of July when temperatures commonly reach 105 degrees.  

Potential Phoenix beauty overload

Phoenix is situated in the middle of the gorgeous desert landscapes of the Sonoran Desert. The area has unique and drought-resistant plant life, including the Saguaro cactus and Joshua, agave and mesquite trees. 

Surrounding the city are the McDowell, Superstition and South Mountains, which provide scenic beauty and year-round hiking and other outdoor activities. The area's basins, dry washes, riverbeds and valleys contribute to the heat but play a vital role in managing flood waters during Phoenix’s occasional intense rainfall. 

Living and working in Phoenix

The cost of living in Phoenix is below the national average and lower than in Atlanta, so you can expect your money to go further. Average salaries and the unemployment rate in Phoenix are just below national averages. Many residents find employment in education, financial services, health care, hospitality and technology. 

The area has over 450 public and private schools for grades K-12 and 10 colleges and universities for adult learners. 

Ready to make your move to Arizona?

U-Pack® can help! We’re a self-moving service with over 25 years of experience in long-distance moving. Just take care of the packing, loading and unloading, and we’ll handle all the driving right to your door or to one of our nationwide service centers. Request your free online quote today or give us a call at 844-362-5303844-594-3077.